SYNOPSIS:
It’s been nearly 80 years since the Allies lost WWII in a crushing defeat against Hitler’s genetically engineered super soldiers. America has been carved up by the victors, and 16-year-old Zara lives a life of oppression in the Eastern America Territories.
Under the iron rule of the Nazis, the government strives to maintain a master race, controlling everything from jobs to genetics. Despite her mixed heritage and hopeless social standing, Zara dreams of the free America she’s only read about in banned books. A revolution is growing, and a rogue rebel group is plotting a deadly coup. Zara might hold the key to taking down the Führer for good, but it also might be the very thing that destroys her. Because what she has to offer the rebels is something she’s spent her entire life hiding, under threat of immediate execution by the Nazis.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHECK IT OUT?
Magical powers plus Nazi Germany winning World War 2? Yup. We’re gonna read this one. Add to it that a teen of color is the main character, and we have some pretty high hopes here. About the only thing we’re actually worried about is how stereotyped the Germans will be, or if there will be sympathetic portrayals of multi-layer characters.
The red, white, and black cover is pretty clear on what this story is about: Nazi Germany is in charge of America. We see the swastika flag raised high over the White House. The title looms, a half-quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s First Inaugural Address, which would still have occurred in this alternate history, though not long before the Nazis invaded.
This is Caroline Tung Richmond’s debut young adult novel! She is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in the Baltimore Sun, Highlights for Children, and USAToday. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband and daughter. Find Caroline online at www.CarolineInSpace.blogspot.com!
WHAT EARLY REVIEWS SAY…
Though these Nazis are oddly restrained in their evil compared to the real thing (they haven’t tried to ethnically cleanse North America, for one), they make for believable dictatorial overlords.Overall, a satisfying and appropriately hectic action adventure with a perfectly likable if interchangeable (but for her biracial heritage) protagonist. (Kirkus Reviews)
NECESSARY DETAILS
YA Science Fiction
Hardcover & ebook, 288 pages
Published on September 30th 2014 by Scholastic Press (ISBN 0545629888)
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/only-thing-fear
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